The event includes a half-marathon, relay, 5K run/walk and girls 1-mile fun run. The course begins at Washington and King William streets and includes landmarks such as Main Plaza, La Villita, HemisFair Park, King William, Mission Concepcíon and the River Walk.

Co-organizer Janelle Hennessey says the event is aimed at women for several reasons.

“We held San Antonio’s first ever women’s only triathlon over last Mother’s Day weekend, the SPA GIRL TRI, and it was an absolute delight. My husband (Ironman Michael Hennessey) has raced the world over for over 30 years and this he said was by far the best racing experience,” she wrote me in an email. “Just being able to cater to the women and hear their stories was amazing for him. There is an incredible (vibrancy) within a group of women. The way they support one another and radiate their inner beauty, men just don’t have that.”

Hennessey added that women have an integral role in San Antonio’s efforts to become a fitter city.

“In the family, women are usually the catalysts when it comes to making healthy decisions in the home. They work around many schedules to get fit and being able to have an event where they can come together and celebrate their accomplishments together is a unique experience. Also, many women find it easier to get out there and do an event for the first time surrounded by other women.”

As for the chocolate theme?

“Who doesn’t like chocolate?” Hennessey wrote. “We wanted the race to have a fun theme that women would love. Seriously, several scientific studies have shown the wonderful effects of chocolate on one’s health. Chocolate milk has become THE post workout energy drink of choice for its amazing recovery elements.”

Ironman for Kids aims to raise awareness for the chromosomal disorder trisomy and support families affected by the disorder. The organizers also held the Alamo 13.1 race in March.